Photo Safari

EXAMPLE OF ITINERARY

EXAMPLE OF SAFARI ITINERARY

All our safaris are custom-made

The Wonders of the Naturalist

Embark on an Unforgettable Naturalist Adventure, Blending Must-See Discoveries and Unexplored Trails.

Costa Rica, thanks to its exemplary protection of natural riches, is now a leading destination for global ecotourism. Although modest in size, this tropical country is home to nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity, making it a true sanctuary for nature lovers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Your safari will immerse you in diverse ecosystems, from the beaches of the Caribbean coast to the wild shores of the Pacific, including the volcanoes and lush forests of the central mountain range. You will observe iconic species such as toucans, sloths, monkeys, frogs, and iguanas.

Accompanied by a certified naturalist guide, you will discover the diversity of tropical ecosystems. Whether on daytime walks or nighttime outings, each observation moment will be an opportunity to learn and marvel at the incredible natural wealth of this country.

 

From 4 900 $

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Tours naturalistes et safaris photo au Costa Rica Nicolas GILBERT

Nicolas GILBERT
Naturalist Guide
Filmmaker and Photographer

WhatsApp : +506 8728 1390

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  • Personalized Support: Benefit from the knowledge of a certified French-speaking naturalist guide throughout your stay. You will discover the wildlife, flora, and geology of Costa Rica through a rich and varied program that combines expertise and passion.

  • Total immersion in tropical nature: Explore a wide diversity of rainforests, from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific shoreline, including the heights of the central mountain range. Each stop offers a unique experience: some will focus on wildlife observation, while others will center on discovering landscapes and botany.

  • A balance between iconic sites and off-the-beaten-path locations: Discover the must-see attractions of Costa Rica, such as boat rides in the mangroves of Tortuguero, the hanging bridges of Monteverde, and the hot springs of Arenal. For a more intimate and authentic experience, explore wilder destinations like Los Quetzales and the Osa Peninsula.
  • Exceptional Wildlife: Costa Rica is home to an incredible diversity of iconic species, including monkeys, toucans, sloths, and many more. You will visit the best site in the country to observe the magnificent resplendent quetzal in the cloud forests.

  • Unique Observation Moments (Depending on the Season): In July and August, experience unforgettable moments witnessing sea turtles nesting on the beaches of the Caribbean coast, or whale watching off the Pacific coast.

Itinerary - 15 Days (Example)

Day 1: San José (Costa Rica) – Arrival
Day 2: Tortuguero National Park
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Day 4: Transfer to San Gerardo de Dota
Day 5: San Gerardo de Dota (Quetzal)
Day 6: Transfer to Sierpe
Day 7: Sierpe (Mangrove – Night Tour)
Day 8: Transfer to Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Day 9: Corcovado National Park + Overnight in the Park
Day 10: Corcovado National Park
Day 11: Puerto Jimenez – Matapalo
Day 12: Transfer to Uvita
Day 13: Uvita – Dominical (Waterfall)
Day 14: Carara National Park
Day 15: Transfer to the capital according to flight schedules.
Day 16: Arrival in Paris. End of your nature trip to Costa Rica.

 
Tours naturalistes et safaris photo au Costa Rica Carte Safari

Departure Dates & Trip Prices

Upcoming Dates

Price

Status

From January 11 to January 26, 2025 (example)

4 900 $

2 places left out of 4

Our prices include:

  • Group transfers to/from the international airport
  • Supervision by a certified French-speaking naturalist guide from San José
  • Accommodation in double rooms at the mentioned hotels/lodges (or equivalent depending on availability) and/or shared dorms at La Sirena. Additional charge for single room if requested: +400 euros for the entire trip (not available for Sirena)
  • Full board from Day 1 to lunch on Day 15
  • Assistance from local guides and boat drivers
  • Entrance fees to national parks and reserves
  • Boat transportation to Tortuguero and Sierpe (+ naturalist outings in the canals) and Corcovado
  • Ground transfers by minibus

Our prices do not include:

  • Round-trip flights to San José
  • The exit tax from Costa Rica ($29), often included in the airline ticket
  • The cost of the ESTA form if transiting through the United States
  • Tips and other personal expenses
  • Paid beverages
  • The option for a single room if desired and available
  • Transportation from your home to or from the departure airport or train station
  • In case of air transport, airline surcharges for excess baggage or fuel increases
  • Multi-risk travel insurance (optional)
  • Fees related to cases of force majeure not attributable to Terres Oubliées (unfavorable weather conditions, geopolitical issues, etc.)
Levels of Effort

Effort: Accessible to all
Your adventurous spirit values time spent discovering: daily walks to explore sites and connect with local cultures and people.

  • Walking time: 1 to 4 hours max/day
  • Elevation gain: 0 to 300m max/day
  • Carrying: Daypack only
  • Physical condition: You are in good health and have an open mind

Charming Hotels and Guesthouses

Settle comfortably into small hotels or guesthouses meticulously selected for their unique character and welcoming ambiance. These cozy and friendly places, though modest, offer attentive service that allows our travelers to fully savor each stage of their journey.

Intimate Accommodation

Enjoy the tranquility and intimate atmosphere of these small hotel settings. Their authentic charm, limited number of rooms, and warm hospitality are sure to captivate you. Whether staying in nature or in the city, you’ll appreciate both the services offered and the prime location of these accommodations.

Passport valid for 6 months after the return date is required for French nationals.

DARWIN Costa Rica disclaims all responsibility if your entry to the country is denied due to non-compliance with this customs rule.

A visa is not required for French nationals for stays of 3 months or less.

Note: If you have a layover in the USA, check the current formalities at the time of travel. For transits through the USA (even as a layover), an optical or biometric passport and an ESTA form (mandatory as of January 12, 2009) must be completed at least 72 hours before the trip: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

For travelers with an optical passport issued after October 26, 2005, and passing through the USA, a visa application is required: type B1 or B2. This application must be submitted directly to the U.S. authorities (processing time of about 8 weeks). – websites: www.amb-usa.fr www.bern.usembassy.gov.

Note: All children, regardless of age, must have their own passport.

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Costa Rica. The country is generally safe in terms of hygiene.

However, the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory if you have visited certain countries prior to arrival. Additionally, it is recommended to be vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, as well as tetanus and polio.

Malaria is the main concern for travelers. For short stays (less than a month), a preventive treatment is advised. Consult your doctor to choose the most appropriate prophylaxis.

Costa Rica is classified as a Zone 1 area for malaria risk. It is also recommended to use mosquito repellent (readily available locally) and wear long clothing in the evening and early morning.

A pre-trip consultation with your doctor for health advice is highly recommended.

Recommended Equipment:

CLOTHING

  • 6 short-sleeve T-shirts. Synthetic fabrics wick moisture and dry quickly. Cotton is generally more comfortable for others.
  • 1 or 2 long-sleeve T-shirts or shirts to protect against sun, insects, or cooler temperatures.
  • 1 fleece or sweatshirt.
  • 1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker.
  • 2 shorts.
  • 1 or 2 pairs of lightweight hiking pants.
  • Underwear and socks.
  • 1 hat.
  • 1 swimsuit.

FOOTWEAR

  • 1 pair of walking shoes: in good condition, comfortable, and breathable (avoid new shoes).
  • 1 pair of hiking sandals. These are very versatile for beach, boat, and shower use. They should be open, ventilated, but secure on the foot, unlike flip-flops.
  • 1 extra pair of laces.

OTHER ACCESSORIES (besides photo equipment):

  • A headlamp: extremely useful for nighttime outings. A headlamp frees your hands for taking photos and provides eye-level illumination, which can help spot animal eye reflections. Budget options are fine, but if possible, a high-end, more powerful model is recommended for easier nocturnal animal spotting.
  • A rain cape or poncho: Unlike a K-Way®, the roominess allows you to protect your backpack from rain. A short-sleeve, basic model will do.
  • A pair of binoculars: With various models and prices, take the time to choose well.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • An adapter for power outlets. If you don’t have one, consider a universal adapter (around €15) for all future trips.
  • Biodegradable soap (black soap, Marseille, or Aleppo) for personal use and laundry. Ideally, biodegradable toothpaste as well.
  • A microfiber towel (like a “chamois”), compact and quick-drying.
  • A first aid kit: bandages, disinfectant/antiseptic, antidiarrheal, paracetamol, thermometer, hand sanitizer, etc.
  • Tick remover (available at pharmacies).
  • A few Ziploc bags and trash bags for various uses.
  • 2 large trash bags for your luggage during boat transfers.
  • A 20-liter bag for your belongings for the Cerro Escondido stop (surplus can be left with your driver).

DO NOT FORGET:

  • Your passport.
  • Your international bank card.
  • Insurance papers.
  • Local currency.
  • Personal medication.

Photography Tips

CAMERA BODY

We recommend having at least two camera bodies for better responsiveness in different situations, reducing the need to switch lenses (and avoiding dust, falls, etc.). Whether DSLR or mirrorless, choose a camera with fast autofocus and a good burst mode.

MEMORY CARD

Depending on your camera and your storage habits, it’s wise to bring several memory cards of 16, 32, 64, or even 128 GB or more. Newer DSLR and mirrorless models are highly demanding on storage due to large file sizes and burst shooting, especially when shooting in RAW.

Consider bringing a laptop and a 1TB SSD external hard drive to back up photos each evening, but watch out for weight restrictions.

LENSES

For a wildlife safari, bring at least a 300mm or equivalent lens for animals, a wide-angle lens for landscapes or close situations, and a macro lens.

Cropped-sensor DSLRs provide a 1.5x magnification, so a 300mm lens effectively becomes a 450mm, and a 400mm becomes a 600mm. Full-frame and mirrorless bodies keep the focal length unchanged.

To cover a broad range from wide-angle to super-telephoto, many combinations are possible. Zoom lenses are more versatile than fixed focal lengths, giving you framing flexibility and the ability to adapt to any situation.

  • Suggested zooms: wide-angle (e.g., 18-35mm or 16-85mm), mid-range zoom (70-200mm or 120-300mm), or larger (80-400mm, 100-400mm, 150-600mm, 200-400mm).
  • For fixed focal lengths, consider a 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, or even a 600mm.

For optimal image quality, choose bright lenses with f/4 or, ideally, f/2.8 apertures (though these can be pricey).

POWER SUPPLY

Charge batteries whenever possible to keep them full.

  • 2 or 3 batteries per camera body.
  • A spare charger.
  • A universal adapter for recharging batteries in lodges and hotels.

OBSERVATION EQUIPMENT

A pair of binoculars is also recommended.

OTHER ACCESSORIES

Depending on your destination, consider:

  • Bean bag (filled with beans or rice) to stabilize on the vehicle.
  • Monopod and/or tripod.
  • Gimbal head.
  • Flash.
  • Cleaning kit (cloth, brush, air blower).

WEIGHT CONSTRAINTS

Your photographic gear in carry-on bags must meet airline weight restrictions. Batteries should travel in your carry-on photo bag, while accessories (monopod, tripod, spare charger, bean bag, etc.) should be packed in checked luggage.

A backpack is usually the best travel option, with some models even offering wheels for added convenience.

 

Our Naturalist Guide, Filmmaker, and Photographer

Nicolas Gilbert is more than just a guid; he’s a nature enthusiast, a storyteller, and a visual artist. With deep expertise in Costa Rica’s wildlife and flora, he takes you on a journey to discover the natural treasures of this country through unique and immersive photo safaris.

As a naturalist, filmmaker, and photographer, Nicolas shares his passion for photography and Costa Rica’s exceptional biodiversity with you. Each moment spent with him becomes an opportunity to learn, admire, and capture nature in all its splendor.

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2 Photographes - Costa Rica

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